Composer: Olivier Messiaen
Performer: Alfonzo Gomez
Number of Discs: 2
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Kairos
Catalogue: KAI0015081
Release: 2021
Size: 1.99 GB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: cover
Vingt Regards sur l’Enfant-Jésus (1944)
CD 01
01. I. Regard du Père
02. II. Regard de l’étoile
03. III. L’échange
04. IV. Regard de la Vierge
05. V. Regard du Fils sur le Fils
06. VI. Par Lui tout a été fait
07. VII. Regard de la Croix
08. VIII. Regard des hauteurs
09. IX. Regard du Temps
10. Regard de l’Esprit de joie
CD 02
01. XI. Première communion de la Vierge
02. XII. La parole toute-puissante
03. XIII. Noël
04. XIV. Regard des anges
05. XV. Le baiser de l’Enfant-Jésus
06. XVI. Regard des prophètes, des bergers et des Mages
07. XVII. Regard du silence
08. XVIII. Regard de l’Onction terrible
09. XIX. Je dors, mais mon cœur veille
10 XX. Regard de l’Église d’amour
The mystery of incarnation is the most beautiful aspect of divinity and it is the reason why I am a Christian. I do not consider the differences between Orthodox, Protestant or Catholic: a Christian is someone who understands that God has come. (Olivier Messiaen). From the point of view of music history, Vingt Regards is a milestone of 20th century piano literature; spiritually it is an offering of Christmas spiritual piano exercises in 20 contemplations. Olivier Messiaen summarizes it as follows: More than in any of my previous work I sought a language of mystical love that is multifaceted, powerful and tender; sometimes even terrifying. All with the greatest vividness possible. Alfonso Gomez, one of the most eminent specialists for 20th and 21st century piano music, offers his new reading of this masterpiece by Olivier Messiaen.